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Amaranthus blitum - L.

Common Name Slender Amaranth, Purple amaranth
Family Amaranthaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards No members of this genus are known to be poisonous, but when grown on nitrogen-rich soils they are known to concentrate nitrates in the leaves. This is especially noticeable on land where chemical fertilizers are used. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers, blue babies and some other health problems. It is inadvisable, therefore, to eat this plant if it is grown inorganically.
Habitats A cosmopolitan weed growing on waste ground[58, 204].
Range Temperate and Tropical zones.
Edibility Rating    (4 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Amaranthus blitum Slender Amaranth,  Purple amaranth


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dalgial
Amaranthus blitum Slender Amaranth,  Purple amaranth
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dalgial

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Amaranthus blitum is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. blitum. L.

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Seed
Edible Uses: Colouring

Leaves - raw or cooked as a spinach[2, 4, 55, 183]. The leaves contain about 3.88% protein, 1.1% fat, 9.38% carbohydrate, 3.2% ash, 323mg Ca, 8.3mg Fe, they are very rich in Vitamins A & C, rich in vitamin B1[179]. The leaves are used as a potherb in order to remove poison from the system[218]. Seed - cooked. Used as a cereal substitute in cakes, porridge etc[55, 183]. Very small, about 1.2mm in diameter[266], but it is easy to harvest and very nutritious. The seed can be cooked whole, and becomes very gelatinous like this, but it is rather difficult to crush all of the small seeds in the mouth and thus some of the seed will pass right through the digestive system without being assimilated[K]. An edible dye is obtained from the seed capsules[4].

References   More on Edible Uses

Composition
Figures in grams (g) or miligrams (mg) per 100g of food.
Leaves (Fresh weight)
  • 0 Calories per 100g
  • Water : 0%
  • Protein: 3.9g; Fat: 1.1g; Carbohydrate: 9.4g; Fibre: 0g; Ash: 3.2g;
  • Minerals - Calcium: 323mg; Phosphorus: 0mg; Iron: 8.3mg; Magnesium: 0mg; Sodium: 0mg; Potassium: 0mg; Zinc: 0mg;
  • Vitamins - A: 0mg; Thiamine (B1): 0mg; Riboflavin (B2): 0mg; Niacin: 0mg; B6: 0mg; C: 0mg;
  • Reference: [ ]
  • Notes:

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent

A fluid extract of the plant is used as an astringent internally in the treatment of ulcerated mouths and throats, externally as a wash for ulcers and sores[4]. The juice of the roots is used externally to relieve headaches[272]. The plant has a folk reputation for being effective in the treatment of tumours and warts[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

The Bookshop: Edible Plant Books

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Other Uses

Dye

Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant[168].

Special Uses

Dynamic accumulator  Food Forest

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Often cultivated, especially the form oleraceus, the plant succeeds from the temperate zone through to the tropics. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 21 - 27°c, but can tolerate 18 - 32°c[418 ]. It can be killed by temperatures of 4°c or lower[418 ]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,200 - 1,500mm, but tolerates 200 - 2,700mm[418 ]. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position[200 ]. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do well[K ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 7, tolerating 4.3 to 7.5[418 ]. The plant has become a weed in many areas of the world outside its original range. It is classified as 'Invasive' in many Pacific Islands[305 ]. Plants are particularly susceptible to attacks by leaf-chewing insects[298 ]. Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. This plant was cultivated by the ancient Romans and Greeks for its edible leaves, there are some named varieties[183 ]. Most if not all members of this genus photosynthesize by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4 carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and under dry conditions[196 ]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is clumping, giving the plant a clumping habit. The predictable growth behaviour makes it easier to maintain without having to apply containment methods[2-1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow late spring in situ. An earlier sowing can be made in a greenhouse and the plants put out after the last expected frosts. Germination is usually rapid and good if the soil is warm[133]. A drop in temperature overnight aids germination[133]. Cuttings of growing plants root easily[206].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran, Turkey, Turkmenistan, China (Anhui Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guizhou Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, Hainan Sheng), Japan, Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia EUROPE: Austria, Hungary, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Italy, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, France, Portugal AFRICA: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Amaranthus albusProstrate PigweedAnnual0.7 8-10  LMHNM201
Amaranthus bidentata Annual0.9 -  LMHNM211
Amaranthus blitoidesMat AmaranthAnnual0.2 6-10  LMHNM201
Amaranthus campestris Annual0.0 -  LMHNM211
Amaranthus caudatusLove Lies BleedingAnnual2.0 4-8  LMHNDM412
Amaranthus cruentusPurple Amaranth, Red amaranthAnnual2.0 3-11  LMHNM422
Amaranthus diacanthus Annual0.0 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus dubiusSpleen AmaranthAnnual1.0 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus frumentaceus Annual0.0 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus graecizansSpreading Pigweed, Mediterranean amaranthAnnual0.5 0-0  LMHNM201
Amaranthus hybridusRough Pigweed, Slim amaranthAnnual2.0 6-12  LMHNM411
Amaranthus hypochondriacusPrince's Feather, Prince-of-wales featherAnnual/Perennial1.2 3-10  LMHNM432
Amaranthus mangostanus Annual1.5 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus mitchelliiBoggabri WeedAnnual0.5 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus pallidiflorus Annual1.0 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus palmeriCareless WeedAnnual0.9 7-12  LMHNM201
Amaranthus polygamus Annual0.0 -  LMHNM211
Amaranthus polystachyus Annual0.0 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus powelliiPowell's AmaranthAnnual1.8 6-11  LMHNM201
Amaranthus quitensisAtacoAnnual1.0 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus retroflexusPigweed, Redroot amaranth, Wild BeetAnnual0.9 3-11  LMHNM322
Amaranthus spinosusSpiny AmaranthAnnual0.6 4-11  LMHNM231
Amaranthus standleyanusIndehiscent PigweedAnnual0.7 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus tenuifolius Annual0.0 -  LMHNM201
Amaranthus thunbergiiThunberg's Pigweed, Thunberg's amaranthusAnnual0.5 0-0  LMHNM201
Amaranthus torreyiTorrey's amaranthusAnnual0.8 0-0  LMHNM201
Amaranthus tricolorChinese Spinach, Joseph's-coat, Fountain Plant, Tampala , Summer PoinsettiaAnnual1.0 3-11 MLMHNM312
Amaranthus viridisCalalu, Slender amaranthAnnual0.5 7-11  LMHNM321

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

58200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

DANE   Wed Aug 19 2009

thanks

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